Abstract: A gravity-flow water filter cartridge for use in a drinking water carafe or the like includes a high-surface area cyst reduction filter element disposed in a water-retaining reservoir within the cartridge; the reservoir retains sufficient water between filtering and during dispensing cycles to maintain the filter element in a fully immersed state, whereby the primed (air-free) condition of the filter necessary for fast gravity flow at high cyst reduction efficiency is maintained.

Abstract: A metal honeycomb heating element is protectively mounted in an enclosure comprising a one-piece enclosure wall, the heater being supported between a circumferential support member and a circumferential compression ring attached to the enclosure wall. A diametrically balanced compressive force is maintained on the edges of the heating element by the compression ring and support, this force operating to significantly extend the life of the heater element under hot vibration. Heater slot separators and electrode feedthrough structures for extending the life of the heater element are also provided.

Abstract: A lead construction for a fluid heater such as an electrically heated catalytic converter, is set forth including a mineral insulated cable having a central core connected to the heater element of the fluid heater, an outer metal sheath connected to an enclosing housing for the fluid heater, and electrical insulation between the central core and the outer sheath.

Abstract: A method for forming a constant geometry and non-turbulent stream inducing pouring spout in the rim portion of an annular side-walled vessel. The method comprises the steps of: a) positioning the vessel within a clamp possessing a groove whose centerline forms a 90.degree. angle with the annular side wall of the vessel when the clamp is in place; b) placing inside the vessel a center plug possessing a radially extending groove whose centerline forms a 90.degree. angle with the annular side wall when the center plug is in place; c) aligning the centerlines of the grooves of the clamp and the center plug to form a straight line travel path; d) placing a pour spout former in the center plug portion's groove and causing the former to travel along the travel path and into contact with the rim portion of the vessel; and, e) further causing the former to travel along the travel path to yieldably deform the rim portion of the annular wall into the desired shape pouring spout.